What Happens When 20 Million Bees Are Set Loose In A Highway Accident

Water to the rescue against peeved honeybees

How do you deal with up to 20,000,000 angry bees swarming a highway? That suddenly became top priority for the Delaware State Police, when a tractor-trailer hauling 460 crated hives overturned near Newark, Del., yesterday evening.

Luckily, 14 years ago, someone had the unusual—if convenient—foresight to develop an “official honeybee swarm removal plan.” This is the first time they’ve had to use it, says police spokesman Sgt. Paul Shavack.

Twelve hours after the accident, the highway ramp was reopened. The driver and two passengers each suffered about 50 to 100 stings and were taken to hospital. The driver was later cited for unsafe shifting of a load in relation to a crash. They're lucky their cargo didn't include the vicious africanized bees, who recently showed up in Colorado, much to scientists' surprise.

If you ever have the misfortune of getting caught in a swarm of disoriented and thirsty bees, here's a how-to for escaping.